Eating and drinking in Jerez de la Frontera is without doubt the best way to soak up a city packed with flavour. Because Jerez is a city full of richness, especially when it comes to food. The biggest reason for that is its famous sherry.
But the nearby Bay of Cádiz also plays a part, supplying first-rate and unique ingredients. In the kitchens of Jerez’s bars, restaurants, terraces, tabancos, inns and taverns, you’ll also find produce from nearby lands, like the meats and cheeses from the Sierra de Grazalema. Or Iberian cured meats from the mountains of Huelva.
So it’s easy to see that eating and drinking (well) in Jerez de la Frontera isn’t just standard, it’s highly recommended. To help you pick a table (or a spot at the bar), here are a few great options.
- Best restaurants in Jerez de la Frontera, with Sol awards and Michelin stars
- Where to eat well on a budget, in and out of town
- Tapas in Jerez, the art of the tabancos
Best restaurants in Jerez de la Frontera, with Sol awards and Michelin stars
Jerez de la Frontera has been on Spain’s fine dining map for years. All this is thanks to a new generation of chefs, some trained in Ángel León’s kitchens and others with international experience.
Today, Jerez boasts three Michelin stars shared between two restaurants, and four Repsol Sol awards. Here they are, along with other standout places to eat.
El Lagar (Barceló Montecastillo Golf and Barceló Montecastillo Jerez hotels)
Traditional Andalusian cooking with a strong Cádiz identity, such as prawn fritters from the Bay, Sanlúcar prawns and tender oxtail stew with sherry.
LÚ Cocina y Alma (Zaragoza, 2)
Juanlu Fernández, the soul behind this place, has worked wonders here and it now holds two Michelin stars. His cooking is concept-driven, bridging different but complementary worlds: Europe and Africa, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the sea and the river (Guadalquivir). It’s experience worth enjoying at least once in your life.
Mantúa (Pl. Aladro, 7)
This Michelin-starred spot, led by chef Israel Ramos, is a journey into the roots (and not just culinary ones) of Jerez de la Frontera. A highly personal, elegant and innovative take on cooking, perfectly matched with top wines from Jerez’s wineries.
Tsuro (San Juan de Dios, local 5)
Its name means “passageway” in Japanese, and that’s exactly what it aims to be; a bridge between Cádiz’s best ingredients and Japanese techniques and presentation. The experience unfolds over several hours with a set omakase menu.
La Carboná (San Francisco de Paula, 2)
The fact that this place is located in a former winery tells you all you need to know about the intentions of the people behind this restaurant. The aim is pure culinary pleasure, through a journey into Jerez’s wine culture. Traditional flavours at its core, but with the techniques and sophisticated presentation of contemporary cuisine.
A Mar (Latorre, 8)
With the Spanish word for “sea” in the name, it’s clear seafood takes centre stage. The kitchen here prepares and presents it with great care and attention to detail. There are also chargrilled meats and a tasty range of rice dishes.
Albalá (Conjunto residencial Valdespino, bloque 6)
Also run by local chef Israel Ramos, this place has been winning over relaxed and loyal customers since 2010. People come here for a clever mix of international flavours and styles, often with the sea as the main theme.
Where to eat well on a budget, in and out of town
One of the best ways to eat well without spending a fortune in Jerez is to head out of the centre and try one of the inns still going strong along the main roads. They serve hearty home cooking, like you’d get for a weekday lunch, and at great prices. Some top picks are El Albero (Hijuela del Pantanal, 5), Venta Esteban (Colonia de Caulina, C. 11-03) and Venta Noelia (Ctra. Estella al Circuito, km 1).
But within the city itself, even in the centre, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and terraces where you can eat well for a fair price. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Casa Pepa (Pla. Aníbal González, 16)
This place is all about traditional Andalusian cooking. And they’ve been doing it brilliantly since 1982. The cuttlefish meatballs come highly recommended.
Mesón Hermanos Carrasco (Av. José Manuel Caballero Bonald, bloque 10)
What really stands out about this restaurant, apart from the lovely decor and solid service, is the value for money. Classic Andalusian dishes made with top ingredients.
Mamalupe (Joyería, 6)
The perfect spot if you want a break from the usual tapas and Andalusian dishes. Because what is served here is what they call “100% Mexican cuisine”: quesadillas, tacos, chilaquiles, fajitas and burritos, with great vegan and vegetarian options.
Maypa (Euro, 12)
Most people come for the huge tortilla (potato omelette) and the 13-euro set menu, which offers plenty of choice. No frills or fuss, just proper, traditional home cooking since 1950.
Tapas in Jerez, the art of the tabancos
When it comes to eating and drinking in Jerez, tapas is the way to go, for both locals and visitors. And this tradition has its own iconic venues: the tabancos.
These are taverns that originally served wine, with the possibility of tasting it. Over time, they became one of the most recognisable symbols of Jerez.
Here are a few classic tabancos, where flamenco is often part of the scene, along with more bars and terraces ideal for tapas.
Tabanco El Pasaje (Santa María, 8)
Right in the centre, just a stone’s throw from the market, known for tapas with cured meats and cheeses from the Sierra de Cádiz. To the delight of its customers, there’s a small stage where daily flamenco shows are held.
Las Banderillas (Caballeros, 12)
This tabanco has a long and colourful history. It’s also in a top location, in the San Miguel neighbourhood. Along with classic cured meats served with wine straight from the barrel, you’ll find fish, meat and cheese tapas. The pork crackling is superb.
Tabanco Plateros (Algarve, 35)
Among the most popular tapas are fried fish and pork cheek. It’s one of the best-known tabancos in Jerez, right in the city’s shopping hub. It also has a terrace, which is always a plus.
Mesón del Asador (Remedios, 2)
This place specialises in chargrilled meats, but you can also pop in for tapas. If you do, you’ll find some tasty stews like Madrid-style tripe, traditional lamb stew or Castilian soup. There’s also fish, seafood and fried fish on offer.
Tabanco San Pablo (San Pablo, 12)
A place full of charm and tradition, known for its montaditos, or small filled sandwiches. There’s something for everyone, from smoked fish with cheese to Cádiz pork crackling with sobrasada, from smoked cod with salmorejo to spicy chorizo and the classic pulled pork.
Abacería Cruz Vieja (Ramón de Cala, 2)
The varied tapas menu has offerings from roasted peppers with preserved tuna to the ever-popular serranito montadito with cured ham and green pepper, with quirky extras like marinated carrots. And their giant Spanish omelette definitely makes this place worth a visit.
